Both the flowers and the leaves of the tulip tree bear a
distinct resemblance to the familiar tulip flower of spring gardens. The
soft, light-colored wood of this Rhode Island native tree is both odorless
and tasteless, making it ideal for lining wells and berry boxes (before
plastics). A relatively fast grower, the tulip tree is the tallest of the
eastern hardwoods. This particular tree and its five buddies, planted in
1963 to frame the brand new Adams Library, have reached impressive size in
just forty years. They provide a fitting inspirational sight for members of
the College community entering RICís academic core and information reservoir
in search of knowledge and insight.